CARNIVAL....Bahian style

         Now the annual carnival is over, it's time to reflect.  I have not been lucky enough to see them all, not even the major towns..... but I loved it. I understand throughout Bahia, a mainly coastal region here in Brasil, there are many towns hosting their own version of Carnival. Each one choosing their individual start and finish date, over the course of some three weeks in January/February. The night I wrote this, we apparently had 24,000+ people here in Arraial d'Ajuda, a relativly small place. It was roughly in the midst of the Carnival here, but still, many more people visiting than I thought. 

        This is a place people from all over Brasil and the world come to find a laid back, relaxed holiday area. Although I think a great many of that crowd came primarily to see this noisy, happy and colourful annual celebration, to be a part of the festive side of it all. Indeed, most of it is held at such a volume, how could you be unaware of it. I like the noise and bustle of Brasil, I like its brashness, but there were nights over the course of those few days and nights, when even I have regretted the fact I had no cotton wool or earplugs handy. The partying can go in u til early in the morning.  Even loving the music and life as I do, it can get very loud. It's my feeling that even with such aids, I could easily have been deafened. Especially at those times there was a DJ instead of a live band. They seem to believe that the louder they are, the better it makes them, but the majority of the oepeople loved it all. DJ music can be so loud, it literally vibrates your heart...a bit scary I thought. I wasn't sure if it might increase my circulation, or stop my heart altogether. 

         I guess I'm a music Virgin as far as outside music venues of this kind go. But that's Brasil, if you want the same sort of music venue you find at home, especially in Europe, you won't find it here. Come to Brasil if you're young at heart, or if you want something different. Or, if you're jaded and want to feel enervated, stirred back to life. Enjoy the music on the beaches, along the sea front and around the town. Everywhere you smile, you'll have two back. Don't miss the carnival, take care of your hearing, your sleep and your belongings,  but experience it. Most of the people are having so much fun, the atmosphere so great, you can't help but enjoy it too. 

        One of the more religious ceremonies. Floating this boat on the sea to bring good luck.

       But, as my first full Carnival, I have enjoyed it immensely. As well as been amused at some of the 'way out' characters taking part. You have to admire the musicality of the bands, along with how much hard work it's taken to get to that point. The bands and dancers practice for months, the costumes can take all year to make. Especially, in bigger Rio de Janeiro, where it's almost an industry...but also a labour of love. Then there are the variety of costumes, or is the briefness of them, little scraps of this and that and lots of smooth flesh. Drums pounding everywhere, with the choreography, and great imagination of the dance encouraging us all to participate. Or, even if like me, just to have fun as a spectator .  Possibly you may have seen the tv programs, showing how a whole year of work goes into the many exceptional costumes especially, as well as the music and dancing.

                   One of the dancing, drumming groups this year...paulinas, was excellent.

           Of course the people all dance here. It's as if they grew up knowing how to dance. Even as they stroll by, taking the evening air, if they hear music, they can't help but shake their stuff...I love to see it. To see the ordinary looking parents, with a child, or having put on some weight, suddenly clasping their partner and breaking into a sexy dance. Often the child will try his own version, right in the street, it's normal. Even my little grandson gives a pretty good impression of a bump and grind routine, wearing a big grin. At seven years old he can really shake his maraccas, without any embarrassment. Yes, some of the small children who take part are really amazing, no one minds if they are clearly learning, no pressure on them at all. They like children in Brasil, I don't see any child being slapped or shouted at around the supermarket, in fact they don't go to the supermarket.  You don't see snarling, stressed out parents as I have seen in London. Perhaps the children are left a little too free to wander here, but it's how it used to be when I was young...children wander off, exploring, discovering, making good childhood memories.....oh that the world was still like that.

        Overall it's laid back in Bahia, the place to take it easy, to relax. With the coast line of beautiful beaches, blue tranquil seas, scattered with beach bars and restaurants. Yes, it's also noisy, colourful and full of fun.... so, what's not to like. If you get the chance come visit and enjoy the Carnival days for yourself. I guarantee if you do, you will be backs again. It's joyful and quite addictive.

          

        

Paradise Island...Arraial d Ajuda. (Written for ArraialBahai.com)

        Arraial d Ajuda, Porto Seguro and Trancoso sit close together on a wonderful stretch of coastline in Biaha, Brasil, South America. In recent years this small stretch of coast has become something of a hideaway for the stars. Many of whom have either bought property here themselves, or relatives own some secluded place. Be it a simple or a grand hideaway. The area holds many family attractions like the Water Park, the Ecological Park both on Arraial. Or you can visit one of the first churches built in Brasil, named after one of Christopher Columbus ships, Our Lady of Healing. There are only three such in Brasil, all built in the mid 5000's.  Although its greatest attraction being the natural wonders, of the sea, sand and sun. In addition you can discover real Brasil, with friendly people and laid back lifestyles. Just the place to get away from it all and relax. A fact many well known names have noted and taken advantage of.

          Arraial as its called locally, looks and acts as an island. It's location lies across the river that flows around Porto Seguro. From that harbour, there is a flourishing ferry service that runs day and night. This carries vehicles and foot passengers. Whilst another ferry next to these, carries only pedestrians. As its not strictly an island, but a peninsular, it can be reached by road, but not easily even now. As roads in many parts of Brasil can be somewhat neglected, the favourite method seems to be by ferry (or 'balsa' as its called in Portugese) Portugese, actually Brasilian Portugese being the official language of Brasil. Being a Latin based language many words are similar to English, Italian or Spanish.

           Why come to Arraial? The better question might be, why not. The beaches from the Balsa onwards are spectacular, as is the sea. You can find the ideal stretch of sand and sea to suit yourself easily. Whether it be a busy beach with a bustling restaurant, seating and lounging provided. Alternatively, perhaps a simple stretch of beach, overlooking a few regularly used fishing boats. Or, anything in between as the sun graces them all and the sea is good bathing. Many of the beaches being gently shelving, it's safe too. A good stretch of the coast under Arraial has a rocky outcrop of reef a few meters from shore, which makes a magic, sun warmed stretch of water in which to cool off. Although, if you can tear yourself away from a cool beer, water, or food long enough, the swimming for the more adventurous is great too. Various water sports are on offer as you stroll the length of the beach. Then, the walking is enjoyable with always somewhere new on the horizon.

          Within the town, everything you want can be found. Hotels, Pousada (B+ B) both larger and more intimate. These begin from the time to get off the balsa and continue right around the pretty little town at the top of the Astarada la Balsa. The town offers the usual bars, supermarkets or speciality shops. From the big church and restful garden square, down the 'Broadway' you will find clothing, perfumes, soaps, mystic, chemists and eating places of all kinds. In the second square at the end of Broadway lies a small original cemetery, now surrounded by all the nightly bustle of stalls (or bahacas )which is Brasil. It's the place to sit in the evening and watch the world go by. Turning left up Rua Mucage you will find a world of delights. Small cafes and larger restaurants of all kinds. Many more Pousadas, tucked away overlooking the drop to the sea. As well as boutique shops, property shop, furniture, vehicle hire, night clubs, and everything else you might wish to see.

           

My Global world of friends...

         Being in a new country for only a short time, means I'm also a bit short on friends..it takes time to grow a friend, a good friend that is. Some new friends come and go, someone you think will, become close, it just doesn't happen. Sometimes, like recently, it all becomes a bit strange, because all the right signs were there...yet they back off. You can only accept it, although I can't say I understand it. You know what they say, 'nowt as queer as folks' well that's what they say in north of England anyway. I always try to be reliable, stick to my word, do the best I can, I can only assume everyone dies the same. I can see that plans to go out with a new friend sometimes fall through. Other people you meet already have their routines, their own circle. It just takes time for you to find your place and with your own circle of friends. Worsened in Brasil, because as yet, I don't speak the language well enough to communicate to anyone other than people who already speak English. Really, you just have to do your own thing, and wait and see what happens. See who you come in contact with. Always automatically gauging how you feel about people you meet, as they must do you.

          I have friends all over the world. In fact everywhere I have lived for a time produces friends. My most recent long term sojourn was New Zealand, so I have many good and loyal friends there.  My very best friend lives there, whom I love dearly. A spell back in England bought me no new friends, except for a few I had not the good health or time to grow into anything other than aquaintences. It's always quite easy making people to talk to, say hi to isn't it. I nevertheless have old friends scattered around the English countryside. Mostly from when I was working, it's the easiest way to make friends for sure, I even have a couple from schooldays, although, always a bit of a rolling stone...(without the music.tra laa), I gathered little moss...or friends 'en route in those early years. Except for growing a family of course.' 

         I once had quite a lot from Australia too and a few close friends in America, but that was before the days of Facebook and the Internet becoming so universally easy. It was far too easy to lose contact with people back then. Especially as often, I am not the only one moving around. I regret everyone I lost touch with over the many years. Of course,  you do tend to meet more people like yourself, so I have found. Those who are on the move constantly, so, a double whammy of a problem to overcome. Some of those people now live elsewhere in Brasil, some in Greece, even Germany and other parts of Europe. Not that it stops you making a few really good and real friends who endure over the years. My good friend who I went to school with has lived in her current house throughout her children's growing up years, maybe longer. Now that's something I cannot imagine. Who's to say who's right, or if there actually is a right way to live. Horses for courses, I always say.

          I'm not worried about now, although I guess because of the language thing, it's taking longer than normal. I know it will happen, especially once I become more fluent in the language. In fact, I always said the most exciting thing about travel was that you know you will meet people who well might become good friends. There is always an exciting big electrical charge, of a friend to discover. But then I am a bit of a romantic. It's actually quite exciting...which means that patient and relaxed I will be, I know it can change in a flash, you can make an immediate connection with someone, or two and then you're away. 

          In the meantime, I am lucky I have some family here too. English family, as well as some extended Brasilain family. So I'm not altogether isolated..oh no, my situation is fortunate. I actually already know lots of people as the English speakers pounce on each other. Which is always nice. I have also been visited this part of the world for many years so I know a few people from those times too. As I walk around, I get to greet, or sit with quite a few aquaintences, or better yet, family. Happy days I tell myself. In the meantime, I love my house, I love its location and I can walk easily to several nice places to spend some enjoyable time. Or, go to the beach...or, sit to watch the world go by, write, read, chat whatever. Lucky, lucky me, all in the sunshine, amongst bouncing happy music and happy people.

          Viva Brasil...and the rest of the world it's all wonderful. To one particular man I knew well for a few months...get travelling, time you were not in Floranopolis. Your World awaits......

      

           

Crazy...how will you die??

      I just did one of those crazy on line...how will you.....tests. This one was how, and when will you die. I don't normally do anything so negative. Why worry about something you are unlikely to be able to change. Also, why put any energy into the possible date of your own death....what if the results came up next year? What then, you might believe it, drive yourself crazy, or everyone else. Well, I maintain I'm already at least slightly crazy....I'm English after all. The world knows we are all a bit 'shot away' as the saying goes. I suppose I did it because a Facebook Friend published his result, complete with engraved gravestone.  His cause of death was 'shot in Times Square'. Hey that's cool, I thought, what would mine be. It might be something equally outrageous.

     So off I went, following the links.... According to that I'm going to live to be a hundred years old, much longer than the Facebook friend....RESULT! I thought. Then, apparently I die by falling down a manhole, an open one I presume......My first thought was, well at least I'm still getting about, and pretty rapidly to not notice a open manhole. A manhole...well of course, if I was rude, I could put connotations on that answer as well. What sort of manhole exactly? Am I still getting up to naughty tricks at a hundred ? So, it's lucky I am a very proper lady...being English, naturally I would be. Ah, I won't go on about our reputation, as always, it precedes us, like a bit of a bad smell. There goes that manhole reference again. When you think about it, it's not a very savoury way to die is it. What's down there, is it the coal hole, the drains, the sewer.. Ewwwww, doesn't bear thinking about does it. How quickly am I found, do I fester down there for days? Mmmmm, I knew I should not have tempted fate by being curious.

          I suppose at the very least, I can take more care where I step once I reach a hundred. Do you think I can avoid it? Ahh see, I am already trying to find a way around my predicted demise. You know, that's what living is all about isn't it. Never mind the dying bit, first you have to live!  Living well, making the most of life, is not giving in, not giving up. If something knocks you down, spring back up...say ' it doesn't hurt', or, 'I'm fine' or, by trying to improve your odds. I call it 'being positive', or 'positive thinking'. Using the power of the mind to create your own reality. In other words, if you can dream it, you can achieve it. Yes, I know, I bang on about it all the time. But hey, if it works..which it does...why knock it.

         I suppose I'm in a bit of a whimsical mood today. Even before the test, I was away with the fairies. All in all, not a bad place to be. With the faries that is. I had a lovely dream about faries once, not so long ago. I could see exactly how big they were, hear them and see their marvellous colours. I still remember it vividly. One day it will come out in a story, as these things always do. Yes, that's another reason I was in a strange mood today, I was looking at the general numerology reading for next year. It's quite fascinating. 2015 is an eight year, so being a shape that is also the shape of the symbol for infinity, it is quite a special one. Last year has a bearing on this year of course. It appears we were all having to re evaluate our lives, or aims, or dreams in some way last year. Letting go of things, or ideas, or ideals that no longer worked for us. Some things just stopped working, or fell down about our ears. It is true that many people I know made big jumps in new directions last year. Myself included. It was as if, I had gone as far as I could possibly go in a situation. I just had to let it go, stop holding it up really and begin again. Even though I had little idea at the time if that was smart, or stupid.

          Although since those rather drastic type of decisions and quandaries, it's not been plain sailing. Over the Christmas and New Year period, life, for many people has been a mess and a muddle. Making little or no progress. With confusions, set backs, uncertainties and the like. The numerology review says all of that was necessary for us to let go of misdirections, or wrong directions. So that this year, we can be ready to move forward with interests and directions that are right for us. We should overall,  let go of all things which we do not love doing. If it doesn't make you happy, don't do it. Or, at least stop putting all your energy into it.  Of course that's a simplification, it does mean you should let go of the things which are destroying you, bit by bit. Aim for being involved in your passions, you should have some idea by now what those are. Be creative, use your creativity in some way,as through this the universe can speak to you. So, be aware of what your instinct continues to tell you about where to put your energy and effort next year. It's not a year for struggling alone, join clubs, real ones, not just on line. Make partnerships, alliances, go out, meet people, share effort, or share ideas or interests. Put up the energy, the thought for what you want in your life. Great achievements can be made this year.

         Which, if you think about it, is almost the same as the positive thinking I spoke of before. Of creating your own reality, in your mind, or on paper first, before in actuality. Fate, the Universe, will give you the right push forward this year. Don't waste it by going on with outdated, unloved directions or interests. Opportunities can be wasted, as well as taken. Don't waste this year, be brave, work hard and see how much your life will change this year. Let's all make sure it's for the better, with more love, more fun, more satisfaction and more security all around.

          

        

Living in Paradise...

       At the best of times it is, at the worst of times...well, who cares, It's PARADISE regardless. The sun shines, it's like being constantly on holiday. Except you have had time to find the best places for coffee, the best prices for shopping the good restaurants, nicest beaches and so on. So, every day, you take your time rising, having breakfast, opening the house to the frest air and the sun. Do whatever chores you want to do, then off you go in any direction you choose. You organise your day exactly how you like it best. About the worst that can happen, is that you get too hot, or have to carry some shopping home. Although deliveries are free here, so it need not be a problem at all.

        You fancy the beach? There are half a dozen within a comfortable walk. Each one served by chairs, table, waiters, sun shades and all the food and drink you fancy. Or, you can use one not so popular, miles of sand and sea, deserted, except for a little fishing boat or two bobbing in the water. Maybe take your bicycle, or a taxi if you don't fancy walking. Coffee shops are everywhere. Little local places with character, smart modern places with impressive patisserie, or nice, clean little bakeries or posadas( bed and breakfast places). You can find anything from hot savouries to full meals. Go sit in the little park by the church, or head down the hill to take the ferry to the bigger part of town, five minutes away. Or, get your groceries shopping done, have it delivered later. Or there are gyms, little bits of markets....or enjoy a massage , facial or manicure. All so cheap, it's hard to resist and why should you, it's all there to enjoy.

         By then it's lunch time, very hot, so take a break and eat something. Self service is about best this time of the day. Rotisserie meats and every salad , or hot vegetable dish you can imagine. There is often a good breeze by then, so under a sunshade is comfortable and enjoyable. All food at lunchtime at very cheap prices. If you go over on the ferry you can indulge in wonderful sushi, sold by weight. I must say, the sushi and sashimi in Brasil is first class. I have no idea why, as I have yet to see an Asian visitor or local. Take a leisurely lunch, as the sun has mostly gone by the beach by four. It gets light early here..and dark early too.

          But that's all to the good, because with the night comes the bars, the lights, the music.  All the noisy exuberance that is Brasil, vibrates and shimmies along wherever you walk. If you decide to walk up Mucage street, the Main Street leading to the beach, it's full of lovely little boutique type shops. Nights are when they open, so browse and buy to your hearts content. Clothes, shoes, gifts, even a few pretty household bits. The rest of the places are either bars, or restaurants. Your only problem is deciding where you would like to sit, and what you would like to eat.

          Even just walking the street is exciting. Everywhere you go there is music.The only thing you won't have is peace and quiet. But that's why you relax day times. Every few steps is a new display of drumming, dancing, acrobats, or capoeira, the unique BrasilIn acrobatic martial art skill. The larger streets are mostly pedestrian, the people you see are colourful. A few more clothes are worn at night, unlike the day when beach wear is the norm. I have never seen so much smooth skin in my life. Many couples are ready to break into a dance themselves when passing music they like.  The Brasilians were born dancing, to them, it's as normal as talking. The fun goes on until the early hours.

           So, overall, that's Biaha, Brasil. Or, more particularly Arraial d Ajuda. The little peninsular that thinks it's an island. It's quite unique, its crowded, noisy, busy, interesting and above all,  colourful and vibrant. Sometimes annoying if you have things to do in a hurry, because thats unlikely to happen. But really..it's a reasonably small thing to put up with for the joy of living in Paradise. For PARADISE is what it is. Yes, it will quiet down again, once the summer season has passed, and Carnival is over. The energy and character remain, there is just more room for cars, people, and more time for enjoying all there is here.

           I actually did quite a few of those things today, and saw most of those things too. I thought you might like a little taste of my life as I know it......because I'm going to bed now, because tomorrow is another day of making tough decision about how best to spend my day. Happy days everyone.

Once I loved a sparrow....

        Yes, it's true...it was the best bird I ever had. Just a humble, small common, brown sparrow. There are millions of them, wild birds who are not coveted for their beauty, song or plumage. They are common to many countries, just ordinary little brown birds...who survive as best they can. It will be sparrows you see living inside cafes, or shopping centres. They are always the ones who somehow find a way to survive inside those large public spaces. Anywhere where food can be found, they will be found. Cheeky birds, survivors, but so common they are barely noticed amongst the larger bird populations...

         Not noticed by most people I must add, but I will never be like that after my experience with a sparrow.

         Overall, birds are wonderful things, what's not to like. They sing happily every morning, they never have a bad day...never start without a happy song at dawn. They go about their business of trying to survive and to bring up the next generation safely. Of course all birds sing at dawn, as far as I know. Once they wake, at whatever time the sun comes up, off they go, tweet, tweet, trilling a lively song to the skies. They are the eternal optimist, the bird population. Life is hard, survival rests on their daily ability to find food. They are so small, that a day without food would be the end of many of them. The original hunters and gatherers of nature. Every second of their small lives is spent searching for food just to survive.

                            A common Brasilan bird

            Man has always kept birds as pets, in various types and sizes of cages. We think nothing of caging them, taking their freedom do we. In some countries they are kept for their beautiful song, in others for their appearance. In many cultures and eras, larger hunting birds were used as sport, to bring down edible game birds. They were strictly classified, with the swiftest, largest hunters allowed only for the use of the gentry. So clearly a status symbol in those times. I never knew those types of birds, but I do know birds. I grew up with birds, as my Father kept cage birds both in the house and the garden. He kept canaries and budgerigars, I think he must have bred them, I wasn't involved in that outside area at all. My Father loved all animals, especially birds and dogs. He couldn't resist a dog, he loved them, not to walk or take care of, but just for the company. Why, I remember as a very small child, sharing a pram with a dog, a black lab puppy. Mick was a big part of my childhood, he never missed an adventure with me, that dog. He was irreplaceable as far as I was concerned.

            But birds, it was many, many years later,  I decided to keep birds too. My father used to talk us through how to gentle the house birds on to your hand, or teach them to talk. Although I was never allowed to feed, them, or  care for the big aviary of chattering, squabbling birds outside. Experimentally, at first I bought one, a budgie, I like the torquise colour. Then a few weeks later I bought another, a pale grey. For company for the first. Soon I bought a big, spacious cage, bigger than me. It had wheels so I could wheel them in and out of the house, I wanted them to have the best life, the most space. My birds were going to be the tamest, the best condition, the least stressed. Then, I decided to breed a few, like my Father before me. Do you think it's in the blood?

            I had three couples, all different colours, all unusual. As being an artist, I began experimenting with colour mixes, to see what would dominate in terms of genes, of hue. I bred them for about a year, eighteen months, sold off the babies as they became big enough. Some wonderful colours were created, two of the most unusual I kept for breeding. I learnt a lot about birds during that time. Stories for another blog. Then one day a visiting grandson, who I allowed to feed them, failed to latch the cage. Perhaps that's why I was never allowed access to my Fathers cages. By the time anyone noticed, the birds were all gone. I was heartbroken, I loved every one of them. I knew their ancestry, their characters, they were my babies, I watched them grow. But they were gone, it was no good berating my grandson, who already felt bad enough. The decision had been mine, after all.

            Yet he was also the one who found my sparrow, so he, and fate repaid me in some small way. 'Butcher' birds, in New Zealand, where I was living then, are a little like cuckoos, but kill deliberately too. They tip eggs or babies out of nest, basically worse, as they are also canibals. We knew what was happening, after finding several bald, dead baby birds about the outside of the house. Spring time is feast time for them, horrid but true. Then my grandson found one bald lump which he insisted was still alive, well maybe, but barely. "I know how to look after it" he said. What choice did I have, despite not wanting another bird, there it was, bald, ugly and helpless. So, we found a little basket, lined it with soft material and set it on the low heat radiator. I already had baby bird feeding formula, as sometimes a baby is rejected by its parents. We found an eye dropper, mixed the formula runny and commenced feeding, once an hour. Of course my grandson was not up to night feeding, although he was pretty good for the first few days. Only eight then, so to be expected.

           Of course you know who did the brunt of the feeds and care.....me. But, what turned out to be sparrow, thrived. His fat transparent, black belly, grew stubby feather, and then his eyes opened as gradually he became a little man. Of course he thought I was his Mother, his mouth open and ready whenever I was around. But that took a few weeks of little sleep and gradually, worm digging too. By them he had his own little cage, with the door open. I wanted him to have as much freedom as possible and he seemed quite happy with the arrangement. He liked to be free in the room. He liked to fly around and I wanted him strong for when Ireleased him back to the wild. He was a wild bird, I didn't want him caged.

          One day, I thought this is it, soon he will be too tame. I took him outside, on my hand. But all he did was look around, without much curiosity. I was weeding the garden, so I sat him on a nearby tree and waited for him to fly off. Several hours later, he was still there. As night drew in, I decided I could not leave him without food or water, and took him back in. I tried for several days after that, setting him outside, waiting for him to take off. One day, he came and helped me dig...worms and insects I thought, that's good. Then he sat on my shoulder and there he stayed as I worked about the garden.

            By then he was fully grown and quite a character. He loved me, but not my partner. If he came to sit by me on the couch he would hop from my shoulder to his and bite and peck his ears, quite viciously. Jealous I decided, trying to make him move away perhaps, no one was sitting by his woman. No matter how we tried to encourage him to be friendly to him, he would not. He did not like him, only me, he wanted nothing to do with him and that was that. He would attack him for hours if he sat there.

         Life went on through the summer, he had the freedom of the living room and the outside patio and gardens, but he never lost sight of me. Once I found him huddled in his cage, he had a chest infection the vet said, but he recovered. Again, I tried to free him, but he was not interested in going anywhere. He lived there, like that for quite a while. Attacking my partner, happy being by me..I loved that little bird, he made me laugh a dozen ways. He had his own little routine and ways.

          I don't know how long sparrows live, he was never very big. No, even for a sparrow he was small. I don't exactly know how long I had him, it seems a long time. He was happy, I was happy, my partner ...not so much. But one day, when I got up, he was just dead in the bottom of his cage..with the door open. My little friend, my buddy, my very unusual, out of the ordinary sparrow. Now, I remember him with love, in fact I shall never forget him. He was loyal to me always, which it later turned out my partner never was. I think of it often, I bet that little wild creature knew what I did not. He knew that man was no good for me, if only he could have talked.... But he was only a common little hedge sparrow.......but he was mine and a prince amongst birds. Since that time, many years ago now, I have never kept another bird....what could compare. 

           Enjoy the birds around you, they are smarter than you think. Even the most plain and ordinary have special abilities....just like my little New Zealand sparrow.

Another New Year

        As a writer, as well as a psychic in a former life, it's impossible to ignore the fact that tonight is New Year's Eve. This is the last day of 2014, tomorrow is the first day of 2015. A brand new year, a clean page, as yet unwritten upon. We all know it's just a day like any other, yet it can't help but be imbued with special signifigance...a fresh year, a new start, another chance to do better than before. It's a sort of 'slates wiped clean' sort of time. Of course it isn't, but strangely....it is!

         We party, if we are able. We celebrate with a drink or a kiss at midnight, better yet, both. We try to spend it with friends, or family. With the people we love, those who we hope to have even better times with next year, than last. If not with people, at least it's a time for reflection, for a girding of the loins for another year Most of all we make resolutions...although some of us will staunchly refuse to do that. But it's still there, in your head, around you, saying go on, go on. Make some resolutions, promise yourself to be better at this or that. At the very least it's tradition. At its best, it's a great opportunity, not to be missed.

         As a writer, ideas intreague me, customs interest me. As a psychic, who saw and felt the kind of spiritual changes that happened on that bigger new beginning, for the millennium of 2000. I know its significance, I realise its opportunity, its importance. Let's face it, why would any sensible person ignore a positive opportunity. No one would, of course not. Yet it's a well known fact, that of those who make a whole raft of new resolutions, few are kept beyond the first month. Before they fizzle out, or are forgotten, just given up on. That doesn't mean you shouldn't make some thought. I think we should. Maybe we should be a little more subtle, a little bit realistic...or, as I like to think of it, smart! By smart, I actually mean that instead of making neat, tight resolutions, you should be sweeping, be grand, be...impressive with your imagination. I actually dislike the word realistic a lot! Mainly because when I am trying to explain about being positive, about attitudes being important, about having a more 'gung ho' attitude to life, people respond by saying ' you have to be realistic.' Well...not if that means you must accept what you have now as being the only possibility for you, the only reality. Not if it means you stop yourself improving, in growing, in allowing the magic in. No, folks, forget your ideas of realism, dream big, without fencing those ideas around with the mundane. Fencing them with what your head tells you is achievable. 

        Yes, I know, it's complicated from the outside. You do have to have a little trust in the Universe, to let down the boundaries your life has taught you to erect...for safety's sake, the 'just in case' things. Also to realise that very small changes in attitude, can allow the big dreams to grow and flourish. Words are important, so watch what you say. Either to yourself, or to others. We all know that if you tell others your new resolutions they can and do chip away at them. So we try to keep them secret, or at least I used to. For example, if you say 'right, I'm going on a diet, I am only eating proteins,' or 'cutting the carbs' or 'the sugars'. Someone is bound to say, 'have a biscuit, a cookie, or, 'come out for coffee and cake.' Or, 'once won't hurt you' or even, have you lost any weight yet?' How demoralising is that when you are struggling, it always was to me. Instead, say 'I am slim, fit, healthy'. Or, some phrase of your own imagining, as long as it is all positive words. You can still calorie count, or follow a plan, but it's the words and attitude which is important. Believe, believe, believe, visualise yourself slim, fit and perfect. Why not, you can be, the world really is your oyster. Yes, yes, I know, 'gobbledygook', but you really have to trust yourself, your inner you. Trust the knowledge and instinct we all have inside us. Then, follow your vision, follow your nose, trust! The right answers and opportunities will come, I promise you.

          You know, we all have things we must overcome, it may be a temper, a bad habit, a bad home life as a child, or a personal disaster lurking in our background. It may be anything at all which causes us to feel 'less than'. Most of us have something, few of us are positive flowers of enthusiasmn and confidence. I had many things, you wouldn't know to look at me through my life, because I was a strong woman, I had to be. Although again, it took me many years to acknowledge my own power. Nevertheless, I had many 'black holes' it was only too easy to fall into at times of stress. Each crisis in my life was hard won, many times there was only me to sort out the problems for me and my children. At those times when a good friend did step forward to support me through a dreadful day, or a family member say or do something to help me, or help me feel better, are well remembered and cherished. I'm like the elephant, I never forget. But...those time, those problems and hardships do not define you, it is not who you are.

       Tonight, this new year, sit down and write your perfect life. Perhaps as a list. Not writing what you think is achievable, but writing exactly how your perfect self and your life IS! Don't worry about how that could happen, where the money has to come from. In fact don't  even consider how, what steps and miracles are necessary to reach there. Trusting the Universe, you never have to think of how it can come about. In fact every time one of those doubts or questions pop into your head, dismiss them. Build anew the full picture of the perfection you envisaged. Go through your list every day, ten times a day if you can, build it strongly. When you look back in a few months, you will be surprised how much of the things are already yours or within your reach.

          Trust me, trust this information and trust yourself. The world is yours. All you have to do is believe it, and tell it you believe it. Happy days folks.

           HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL. MAY IT BE THE BEST ONE EVER.